Winger Joe Lolley has given an insight into how Steve Cooper has changed the mentality at Nottingham Forest as they gear up for a decisive few weeks.
The Reds were propping up the Championship table when the Welshman replaced Chris Hughton at the helm in September. Now, ahead of their final 10 league games, they are breathing down the necks of the play-off pack - sitting three points below sixth-placed Blackburn Rovers with at least one game in hand on most of their rivals.
They have lost just twice since the turn of the year, and the second of those defeats was to Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday, when Forest pushed their Premier League opponents all the way to a result. Lolley feels they are in a good position for when the action resumes after the international break, both with Cooper at the helm and the players at his disposal.
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Laryea impresses
Nottingham Forest defender Richie Laryea was named man of the match for Canada in their World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica.
The January signing played the full 90 minutes for his country on Thursday night as they fell 1-0 in San Jose. Despite the defeat, Canada remain in a good position to qualify for this year’s tournament in Qatar, with just one point needed from their final two games to clinch their spot.
Laryea has yet to feature for the Reds after making the move from MLS side Toronto during the transfer window. But he has continued to see game time for his country.
And he caught the eye with his performance against Costa Rica, earning the ‘performance of the match’ accolade. The visitors had been reduced to 10 men when Mark-Anthony Kaye was sent off in the 34th minute, and fell behind just before the break. But Laryea was described as having a positive impact with the odd “blistering run” and attempts at goal, as well as being involved in some “great passing” moves, according to the match report on the team’s official website.
Watching on
Nottingham Forest midfielder Cafu took the opportunity to visit one of his old clubs during the international break.
With the Reds given some time off amid the two-week hiatus from Championship action, the Portuguese has headed to his homeland. And he called in on an open day at former team Vitoria.
Cafu had a spell at the club earlier in his career. There is also quite the Forest connection, with ex-Reds Tiago Silva and Alfa Semedo in the squad, while defender Tobias Figueiredo came close to a move there in the January transfer window.
Cafu and Silva just missed each other at the City Ground. The former arrived just as the latter left in October 2020.
Fornah's progress
Former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cotterill has assessed the impact of Reds loanee Tyrese Fornah at Shrewsbury Town.
The 22-year-old joined the League One side in January and has made 12 appearances so far, impressing in the Shrews’ midfield. Fornah has played his part as Cotterill’s side have pulled clear of the relegation zone in recent weeks.
Last time out, they won 3-0 at leaders Rotherham United and another win against Lincoln City on Saturday will all but secure their third-tier status for another season. Cotterill says there is room for improvement in Fornah’s game, but believes he has a bright future.
“I think he’s done OK,” said Cotterill, reported the Shropshire Star. “He had to build up, when you take someone in on loan the first thing is obviously his fitness. But he’s a fantastic young man, 22 years of age, so he’s fresh.
